Shenzhen-based smart home manufacturer Onvis have been moving towards Thread (and occasionally Matter) for a while now, with smart plugs, wireless controllers, alarms and more. Today they’ve released their first outdoor motion sensor, with HomeKit over Thread, and in many ways it surpasses more expensive options from other smart home manufacturers.
The Smart Motion Sensor-Outdoor, or SMS2-OD, to distinguish itself from the SMS2, their indoor motion sensor, comes in matte black. It also comes with a ‘hood’ for protecting the sensor from dirt and rain, although the sensor is actually officially IP66 rated for outdoor use. This is where it stands out from outdoor motion sensors from the likes of the Eve motion sensor, which is only IPX3 rated (admittedly it’s more meant for indoor use), and Phillip Hue’s outdoor model, which only manages an IP44 rating.
It also comes with an angle-adjustable wall mount including fixing, although it also comes with a strong double-sided stickers if you prefer not to screw the mount into a wall. You can also detach the mount and have it freestanding. The included protective hood is also detachable if it’s going to be used in a covered location.
What also sets the SMS2-OD apart from other motion sensors is – like the indoor variant – it includes not only a motion sensor, but temperature and humidity sensors as well. Below the motion sensor’s main fresnel lens is a light sensor, although on the packaging it does only state it’s a ‘Bright/dark sensor, so whilst it can differentiate between day and night, it won’t provide lumen information, and is also not exposed to Apple Home.
The range of the motion sensor covers a maximum of 10 metres/32 feet with a 100º field of detection, whilst the operating temperature allows this device to withstand -10~45ºC/-14~113ºF, so possibly not as viable for Canadian winters, but probably ok for most users. The SMS2-OD is powered by just two AA batteries but claims you’ll get 4 years of use before replacements are needed.
The Onvis SMS2-OD is available to preorder on Amazon.com now (Sept. 14th), with the release date set at Sept. 16th, selling for US$39.99. For EU/UK customers, it’ll be arriving in stores a little later, on September 30th.
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